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19 December 2012

As much as I love the coziness of winter - I'm already thinking about new spring styles. I love that first trickle of pieces that start to appear on websites and in-stores in January. I find it really refreshing to have the warm weather to look forward to.

Have you seen E-Shakti's Resort/Pre-Spring Collection? They've released a number of new items this week and the spring palette is great; a nice mix of muted corals, soft mustards and vivid cobalts and emeralds. But the one thing that really stood out to me is the abundance of chambray - as a denim lover this makes me SO HAPPY! You really can mix and match this wonder fabric with any colour or accessories of your choosing. Plus I love the extra structure that it offers. E-Shakti has so many adorable chambray dresses to choose from in this collection - all available in regular and custom sizing from 0-36W. Awesome.

Are you ready to get excited for spring styles or are you staying focused on what's happening now?

PS: In case you're wondering, I haven't actually ordered from E-Shakti before, but they are in the process of sending me a dress to try out...so I promise to share my experiences with them and a fit review when it arrives!

12 December 2012

When I find something I love...I have an instinct to want to share it. Especially when it comes to clothing items for my hard-to-fit body. If I'm struggling - odds are someone else is too, right? Well I decided to go a little more in depth on some of my purchases and share more details with you - so you can get a better of sense if this is an item that might work for you. Sound cool?

Well I'm starting with the American Eagle Knit Jeggings. You've seen me in these before, but here's some more info on what I like about them (and why I own them in 3 colours - ha!). In the actual AE store, the jeans and pants only go to size 14, but online you can order most styles in 16, 18 and XXL. They are by far my favourite denim for quality to cost ratio. Plus their styles are super modern and I don't get that excess bulk in the thighs, hips or butt that sometimes come with plus sizes, these are more of a juniors cut larger.

These are the burgundy (or oxblood if you're feeling trendy) colour. I also have the navy and charcoal. They are a true jegging, thicker than a cotton legging but much thinner than denim and softer. They have side seams, back pockets and a front zip placket, just like denim. I wouldn't feel comfortable in a shorter top with them but they're perfect with tunics, long shirts and slouchy cardigans. I invested in a few pairs because my office is not very denim-friendly except on Fridays. So I wanted some subtle colour on the bottom but I can't stand dress pants. Just not for me.

I have a few pairs of AE's skinny jeans in size 16 but for these knit jeggings, I sized up to an 18. I have a small hip/waist ratio, so I needed the bigger size for the bigger waist. If you're more of an hourglass, a 16 would be just fine. The material is very stretchy and comfortable and maintains it's shape fairly well throughout the day (no huge butt or knee bagging). These are 'long' length and as you can see they just hit my ankle, granted I'm 5'11" but be wary of length. I've washed AND dried my knit jeggings and they really don't shrink much at all so super easy maintenance.

A few final notes on shipping - you can order from the AE website and I always watch for free shipping weekends and discounts (sign up for emails or check the site often) to keep my costs down. They're currently offering free shipping + 40% off everything! You pay a small amount of duty on your order and I've never had to pay customs fees, but my orders are usually less than $50 or $60. The downside is if you have to return something, it can't go back to the store. You have to mail it back, which usually costs under $10 and is returned to a Canadian address. I've returned items and it takes about a month to get a refund to your credit card.

Hope this helps friends! Let me know if you like the more detailed reviews and I'll keep them up. Or if you have any other questions, don't be shy and drop me a line. Have a lovely week!

It is absolutely, ridiculously, bone-chilling frigid outside. That is why I wore this grown-up version of pajamas all weekend long. The striped tunic was a $13 score off the sale rack at Old Navy and it's perfect for layering over tights, with a chunky cardigan to pull it together and make it extra cozy. This is probably one of those shapes 'they' would recommend against for my body type....but at the end of the day, I'd rather be comfy - wouldn't you?

06 December 2012

I know, I know...Christmas is fast approaching, the snow is on the ground for many more months, I should be getting excited about the deeply chic new Pantone Color of the Year and not last year's Tangerine Tango. But all I can think about is the Florida Keys. And wearing this fun and vivid maxi dress IN the Florida Keys. While I drink coconut margaritas. Mmmmmm...relaxing on the beach....

I promise my next post will be more grounded in reality (and the holidays)! :) Everyone needs a mid-day daydream, don't you think? What's yours?

Two things I'm loving right now are the slouchy/oversized look and asymmetrical hemlines. Please, please, pretty please oversized trend don't you ever go out of style! It's so relaxed and comfy and allows me to hide my not-so-favourite parts and show off my favourites. I wasn't a fan of asymmetrical at first, but I find it breaks up the shape nicely on this sweater so it's not just one big square.

My name is Lenore and I'm a curvy life and style blogger living in the heart of the Canadian prairies. I'm a wife, new mama and puppy parent, By day, I'm a social media manager for an amazing University. The rest of the time you'll find me loving my family, playing dress up in my closet, painting vintage furniture and trying to reconcile my big-time shopping habit with my small-time budget.